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Boston Celtics: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

By Tevin Williams

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kyrie Irving
Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images /

5. Irving’s defense

Kyrie Irving has never been known for his defense. He always gives his all on offense, but defensively, he often provides a lackadaisical effort.

But we’ve seen Kyrie lock in on defense in big games. In the 2016 NBA Finals against the Warriors, Irving played a large role in holding Stephen Curry to 22.6 points a game on 40.3 percent shooting.

Kyrie finished with a -2.30 Defensive Real Plus-Minus last season, which ranked him outside of the top 40 among point guards. The Cavaliers finished with the 22nd best defensive rating in the league last year, and that came back to haunt them in the Finals.

The Celtics lost Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder over the summer, who were arguably their best defenders. Boston needs to be able to stop wings from penetrating their defense, because they ranked 23rd in blocks per game last season.

Each offensive possession usually starts with the point guard initiating the offense, which means Kyrie is Boston’s first line of defense. For the Boston Celtics to excel in the postseason, Kyrie Irving has to bring 100 percent of his effort defensively.

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